Constructive Dialogue Institute
Summary
The Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) is a non‑profit dedicated to equipping the next generation of Americans with the skills to communicate and collaborate across lines of difference. CDI works with U.S. colleges and universities by providing curricular programming for students, professional development for faculty and staff, and strategic guidance to leadership. Our goal is to foster constructive dialogue at every level of the institution and to create the conditions for lasting organizational change.
This role is the Vice President of Development reporting to the Co‑Founder and Executive Director. The VP will lead the organization’s development strategy and will oversee all aspects of philanthropic revenue—including major donors, foundations, and regional funders.
Responsibilities
Lead CDI’s fundraising strategy, with accountability for setting and achieving ambitious, sustainable philanthropic revenue goals in partnership with the Executive Director
Work closely with the Growth Team to identify and match funders to aligned programmatic and institutional opportunities
Design and lead thoughtful engagement—updates, convenings, and learning opportunities—that effectively leverages CDI team members
Represent CDI externally at donor meetings, conferences, and events
Relationship Management
Identify, manage, and grow a portfolio of institutional and high‑net‑worth donors—driving cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Strategically direct the Executive Director’s involvement with funders for greatest impact
Lead development and submission of compelling grant proposals, reports, and donor materials
Maintain and refine core assets—case studies, pitch decks, templates, and messaging
Ensure all deliverables reflect CDI’s voice, strategy, and impact
Systems & Operations
Build and manage HubSpot and development systems for accurate data, pipeline tracking, and reporting
Oversee grant tracking, deadlines, and donor relationship milestones
Partner with Finance on forecasting and philanthropic reporting
Develop scalable infrastructure—workflows, tools, and documentation—to support growth
Define and execute short‑ and long‑term staffing strategy for the development function, in collaboration with Operations
About You
10–12+ years of fundraising experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role shaping and executing development strategy
Experience in higher education, academia, or a field related to pluralism, dialogue, or bridging divides
Proven track record securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts from both foundations and individuals
Skilled relationship‑builder who earns trust with individuals across the ideological spectrum
Strategic and entrepreneurial—bringing vision, taking initiative, and generating ideas that move fundraising forward
Strong communicator who translates complex work into compelling narratives and cases for support
Equally comfortable zooming out and diving in—able to manage a portfolio, write proposals, run systems, and drive strategy
Exceptionally organized and self‑motivated—keeping details tight, systems running, and work moving without hand‑holding
Deeply aligned with CDI’s mission and excited to help bridge divides and promote constructive dialogue
Compensation—$180,000 - $200,000
A Mission‑Driven Culture—intellectual humility, continuous improvement, and open‑mindedness
Remote‑First—CDI was founded as a remote‑first organization and maintains a strong team culture across distances
Unlimited PTO—plus 13 company holidays
Remote Work Support—up to $500 reimbursed for home office equipment and up to $50/month reimbursed for home internet or cell phone expenses
Other Benefits—employer‑supported health, vision and dental plans, subsidized parental leave, 3% 401(k) match, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance, $1,000 annual professional development budget
Seniority level Not Applicable
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Business Development and Administrative
Industries Non‑profit Organizations and Education
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This role is the Vice President of Development reporting to the Co‑Founder and Executive Director. The VP will lead the organization’s development strategy and will oversee all aspects of philanthropic revenue—including major donors, foundations, and regional funders.
Responsibilities
Lead CDI’s fundraising strategy, with accountability for setting and achieving ambitious, sustainable philanthropic revenue goals in partnership with the Executive Director
Work closely with the Growth Team to identify and match funders to aligned programmatic and institutional opportunities
Design and lead thoughtful engagement—updates, convenings, and learning opportunities—that effectively leverages CDI team members
Represent CDI externally at donor meetings, conferences, and events
Relationship Management
Identify, manage, and grow a portfolio of institutional and high‑net‑worth donors—driving cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Strategically direct the Executive Director’s involvement with funders for greatest impact
Lead development and submission of compelling grant proposals, reports, and donor materials
Maintain and refine core assets—case studies, pitch decks, templates, and messaging
Ensure all deliverables reflect CDI’s voice, strategy, and impact
Systems & Operations
Build and manage HubSpot and development systems for accurate data, pipeline tracking, and reporting
Oversee grant tracking, deadlines, and donor relationship milestones
Partner with Finance on forecasting and philanthropic reporting
Develop scalable infrastructure—workflows, tools, and documentation—to support growth
Define and execute short‑ and long‑term staffing strategy for the development function, in collaboration with Operations
About You
10–12+ years of fundraising experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role shaping and executing development strategy
Experience in higher education, academia, or a field related to pluralism, dialogue, or bridging divides
Proven track record securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts from both foundations and individuals
Skilled relationship‑builder who earns trust with individuals across the ideological spectrum
Strategic and entrepreneurial—bringing vision, taking initiative, and generating ideas that move fundraising forward
Strong communicator who translates complex work into compelling narratives and cases for support
Equally comfortable zooming out and diving in—able to manage a portfolio, write proposals, run systems, and drive strategy
Exceptionally organized and self‑motivated—keeping details tight, systems running, and work moving without hand‑holding
Deeply aligned with CDI’s mission and excited to help bridge divides and promote constructive dialogue
Compensation—$180,000 - $200,000
A Mission‑Driven Culture—intellectual humility, continuous improvement, and open‑mindedness
Remote‑First—CDI was founded as a remote‑first organization and maintains a strong team culture across distances
Unlimited PTO—plus 13 company holidays
Remote Work Support—up to $500 reimbursed for home office equipment and up to $50/month reimbursed for home internet or cell phone expenses
Other Benefits—employer‑supported health, vision and dental plans, subsidized parental leave, 3% 401(k) match, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance, $1,000 annual professional development budget
Seniority level Not Applicable
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Business Development and Administrative
Industries Non‑profit Organizations and Education
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